You start it, type something in, save it as files with .hpp or .cpp extension if you want to program in C++.
A text editor does not include everything, you need to google on how to download and use an appropriate compiler, linker and maybe something of make/rake/cmake/...
Then you use the appropriate command for those tools to start them. They depend on what you use.
Then you fix errors using the editor.
You start the tools again.
Your program hopefully runs.
You improve it.
Repeat last 4 till you finished.